A soundhouse shootout – kick drum microphones

the Showdown:

Having been involved in Soundhouse for almost two years has provided me with the opportunity to use a vast array of different microphones and pieces of equipment, but with so many to choose from, sometimes useful mics can become lost in the shuffle. To remedy this, the crew and I set out to capture and compare the sounds of our collection of kick drum microphones. Other than satisfying our own curiosity, we also conducted this experiment to provide an audible showcase of what we have available to clients coming through our doors. As both an engineer and a drummer, I found this particularly useful, and I’m eager to do some experimenting with many of these microphones in future recording sessions. If you’re pressed for time, we’ve also provided a handy video at the bottom of the page for your viewing and listening pleasure!

*If you’d like to skip to the 2 minute video, please scroll down to the “In Conclusion” section!

The drum:

We used Jack Endino’s kick drum for this experiment (available for use upon request). It is a vintage Ludwig 14 x 22 with a solid punch and aggressive attack.

The Contenders:

Telefunken M82:

The Telefunken M82 is quickly becoming a Soundhouse favorite. It features a variable EQ scoop that helps attenuate the boxiness of the kick, and an EQ boost that accentuates the attack of the drum. I am a huge fan of the sound of this microphone, and am looking forward to using it in future sessions.

Technical Specifications:

Beyerdynamic M88:

The M88 is a bit of an anomaly, as it is typically utilized when recording snare or electric guitar. What is notable about it is that the frequency response of the mic varies due to the Proximity Effect. Before this experiment, I never would have suggested using this on a kick, but upon further review, I think that it produces interesting results. The M88 probably would not be my first choice to mic a kick, but in a scenario where I’m experimenting with different sounds, I’d definitely give this a shot.

Technical Specifications:

Audix D6:

An alluring Audix D6Audix D6 Frequency Response and Polar Pattern

The D6 is a popular microphone for those looking for a modern kick sound. It features a mid-range EQ scoop, and high frequency boost that really accentuates the attack of the drum: a timbre popular in hard rock and heavy metal applications. I personally have a lot of experience micing kicks with the D6, and love it for its solid punch.

Technical Specifications:

AKG D112:

The first mic Jack Endino reaches for when recording a kickAkg D112 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

The D112 is a Soundhouse staple, and is often the go-to microphone used when recording a kick drum. It is a personal favorite of Jack Endino, and can be heard throughout his body of work. The low end is punchy and the attack is powerful. You’ll feel it in your chest.

Technical Specifications:

Sennheiser 421:

A classic microphone that needs no introduction, the famous 421 has played a key role in recording for decades. It has a vast number of uses, and is commonly utilized when recording toms, electric guitar, acoustic stringed instruments, and even brass and woodwinds. When used on a kick, it sounds best when going for a more organic timbre. I use a 421 in almost every session, and I’m toying with the idea of throwing it on a kick drum in the future.

Technical Specifications:

Shure Beta 52:

Engineers who work in the world of live sound will be very familiar with the Beta 52. Its robust design makes it dependable, and its erratic frequency response curve makes it ideal for minimizing bleed in loud and reverberant spaces. This is another mic with a high-end boost and mid-range scoop, with a very healthy amount of low end. Historically, I’ll usually reach for a Beta 52 or a D112 when tracking a kick.

Technical Specifications:

AKG D12:

For a vintage tone, try the D12AKG D12 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

The D12 is a fantastic microphone if you’re looking for a more vintage kick tone. It adds a little more body to the drum sound, which is somewhat refreshing in an era filled with aggressively scooped kicks. I haven’t had much experience with this specific mic, but after this experiment, I’m excited to bust it out when tracking something with a little vintage flavor.

Technical Specifications:

ElectroVoice RE20:

The RE 20 has a variety of applicationsRE 20 Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

The is another microphone that provides more of a vintage and full drum sound. Sounds awesome in folk and Americana. Steve Fisk used one when recording Sammy Brue! Apart from kick drums, this mic sounds dynamite on bass cabinets, floor toms, low frequency brass instruments, and vocals.

Technical SPecifications:

ShUre SM91:

The SM91 fills a special niche. While response on the low end may be lackluster, placing an SM91 inside a kick can be the key to getting a defined attack. Best when paired with a mic that responds better to low frequencies. Not a mic that I use frequently, but I’ll be sure to reach for it the next time I’m looking for a strong click.

Technical Specifications:

In conclusion:

This whole experiment served as both a comprehensive window into the vast Soundhouse mic locker and a reminder to myself and others to step out of your comfort zone when in the studio. An exciting new sound could be just around the corner, but sometimes you need to do a little experimentation to get there.

Pre-Production Notes:

We began by calibrating the output of each Trident pre-amp to ensure that every channel would send signal at a uniform level to Pro Tools.After creating an audio channel in Pro Tools and inserting a signal generator plug-in, we ran the output of said channel (PT Output 18) through Pass-Thru 40 and into the Live Room. That signal (pink noise) was then patched directly into each physical Trident input (25 – 35). With all mic input levels set to unity, the line out level on each channel was then adjusted until each corresponding meter in Pro Tools read -22 dB.

Eleven microphones were then placed around the perimeter of the front end of a kick drum. The mics were oriented in an arch formation with each individual mic roughly 3 inches inside the rim of the drum (with the exception of the SM91, which was placed inside the drum). Special care was taken to ensure that no one mic was placed closer to the beater than any other. A series of one-shots were then recorded, varying between soft and aggressive playing.

Someone recently pointed out that one of the reasons they love to work at Soundhouse is that they can track drums in a kick ass room with several different flavors to choose from.

In our dedicated outboard Mic Pre racks, we have 6 channels of Neve 1073‘s (two of em’ are vintage with EQ) plus an array of excellent mic pres on the Neve side of the spectrum including a pair of Chandler LTD-1‘s, up to 5 UA 610‘s ( I keep a UA 2-610 and the UA 6176 at home but I’ll bring it in for you if you ask!) for that world famous tube sound, and a pair of Great Rivers.

For the next week or so Pickwick is going to be making some sounds at Soundhouse. Have you heard their recent releases? They’re full of lushness and not so common arrangements. Not your average stuff!

I think they’ll have fun here…

Getting some tones on the drums. The drum tech got these sounding sweet!

Kory Kruckenberg is the guy behind the console.

He listens.

He acts!

I learned that they have a secret code that they talk in, although I couldn’t crack it. There was talk of “small intestines” and “ears”, Genghis Khan and his “family”. Anyone know what they’re talking about?

Scrolling down the band names I saw, near the bottom, Skunk Rider, a band that’s coming in to Soundhouse soon, to record. Below that was Lark Vs Owl – I’ve recorded them a few times and we’re working on their new stuff now (So far everything’s going to tape).

Skunk Rider opened Friday night with a wall of fuzzy rawness: yep, this’ll be fun to put to tape! (Yes, tape.) Then Crawler set up. Another band that’s been through Soundhouse with Jack Endino – and those guys were awesome. All in all, Friday night was a hard hitting night of serious Rock!

Saturday night was really good too, but not quite as hard/edgy. There’s good rock in Seattle! Everyone was excited about Mind Vice, but my favorite of the night was Lark Vs Owl. They just have good songs, good presence and a good show. Luv ’em. They’ll Luv ya back.

I want to put a special THANKS out to TBASA for putting this show on and supporting Seattle’s rock music.

Something is happening here in our little corner of the universe. Something, yes. You may know about is already, but you haven’t heard it … yet.

Playing with Strangers is an idea, a workshop, an experiment that takes place at Soundhouse.

It’s an ongoing and ever-changing landscape created by it’s inhabitants. Inhabitants that happen to be musicians (and maybe other type of artists as we move forward) that don’t know each other [are meeting for the first time]. They are brought together for the purpose of creating or altering the landscape.

Every month or so, a new group of artists convene at Soundhouse for a short time to write, record and perform about an EP – all in roughly a day. They end up with studio versions created during the day and “live” versions performed that evening in front of an intimate audience of friends and fans.The recording will be produced and available as a digital EP – one for each session.

In this age of internet laden devices that you can take practically everywhere, land lines seem so, well, archaic. And since we haven’t used our phone here accept to delete sales call messages, we decided to just cut them off at the pass and get rid of the land line.

You can still get in touch with us through the Contact page on the website, which was and is still the best way. And we still have internet access and Wifi.

So, the next time you’re in Soundhouse, you can enjoy even more privacy and focus.